Dominick Ranieri

Dominick Ranieri, 95, of Fairfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2024.

Dominick was born on December 1, 1928 in Satriano (Provincia Calabria), Italy. When he was 18, he left his beloved hometown to pursue the wondrous opportunities awaiting him in America.

Upon arriving in the United States in 1947, Dominick settled in Newark. He joined Carpenters Union Local 1342, and in 2022, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters recognized him for his 65 years of service to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. During his tenure, he worked for major general contracting and construction management firms, including John O’Hara Company in East Orange. The footprints of his skilled craftsmanship are all over New Jersey, and he would proudly reminisce on every job and every city he worked in.

On October 4, 1952, Dominick married Rose Mellace. Together, they had four daughters and raised their family in Newark. In 1973, they built a new home in Fairfield that welcomed many new cherished family members—five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who affectionately knew him as “Papa.”

Dominick had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed making wine, tomato sauce, soppressata, and other Italian delicacies. He loved tending to his vast garden that produced abundant fruits and vegetables. A proud Italian-American, he reveled in sharing the history and successes of his rich culture. Over espresso and sfogliatelle, he delighted in discussing geography, politics, and Italian soccer.

Above all, Dominick’s biggest love and passion in life was his family. He will be remembered for his gentle, kind demeanor and for providing everyone with unconditional love and support. While he will be forever missed, his family will always celebrate his 95 years of a life well-lived.

Dominick was predeceased by his parents, Domenico and Maria Theresa (nee Chiaravalloti) Ranieri, and his sister, Catherine Cicero and her husband, Joseph.

Dominick leaves his incredible legacy to be carried on by his wife of 71 years, Rose Ranieri. His children: Marie Latino and her husband, Pete; Diane Ranieri-Hart and her husband, Terry; Linda Soranno; and Cathy Stampone and her husband, Ray. His grandchildren: Lisa Marie Falbo (Latino) and her husband, Joseph; Pete Latino and his wife, Ariella; Melissa Kramer (Soranno) and her husband, Keith; Shane Soranno and his wife, Dara; and Nicholas Stampone. His great-grandchildren: Ayden and Dominic Soranno; Garrett and Isabella Kramer; Vittoria and Peter Anthony Latino; and Liana and Joseph Falbo III.

Friends and family will be received at Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Road, Fairfield, on Sunday, January 28 from 2-6 PM. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 29 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More R.C. Church, 12 Hollywood Avenue, Fairfield. Entombment is at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave., Ste. 203, Roseland, NJ 07068 (973-586-4300, www.ALZNJ.org) to help those affected by dementia. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.stellatofuneralhomes.com.